A2 Expression Informal 3 min read

عندك مقاس تاني؟

indak maqas tani?

Do you have another size?

Literally: At you size second?

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to ask for a different size while shopping.
  • Works for clothes, shoes, and accessories in all dialects.
  • Very common and essential for navigating markets and malls.

Meaning

This is your go-to phrase when shopping for clothes or shoes. It's a simple, direct way to ask if the store has a different size available than the one you're holding.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

At a clothing store in the mall

لو سمحت، عندك مقاس تاني من القميص ده؟

Excuse me, do you have another size of this shirt?

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Trying on shoes that are too tight

الحذاء ضيق شوية، عندك مقاس تاني؟

The shoe is a bit tight, do you have another size?

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Asking a female shop assistant

يا فندم، عندكِ مقاس تاني من الفستان ده؟

Ma'am, do you have another size of this dress?

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

In Egypt, it's common to add 'ya basha' (sir/boss) or 'ya fandem' (sir) to the phrase to be extra friendly. In the Gulf, you might hear 'thani' instead of 'tani', and people often start with 'law samaht' (excuse me). People often use 'nimra' (number) for shoes instead of 'maqas'. The word 'wash' is often used to start a question.

🎯

The 'Ayn' trick

If you can't pronounce the 'Ayn' in 'Andak', just say 'Andak' with a very clear 'A'—people will still understand you perfectly.

💬

Be Patient

In many local shops, the 'back room' might be a separate building. If they say 'thawani' (seconds), it might take a few minutes!

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to ask for a different size while shopping.
  • Works for clothes, shoes, and accessories in all dialects.
  • Very common and essential for navigating markets and malls.

What It Means

This phrase is a lifesaver for any shopper. It literally translates to "Do you have a second size?" but it functions exactly like "Do you have another size?" in English. It's the most common way to check for inventory. You aren't asking for a specific size yet. You are just checking if options exist. It is simple, effective, and works across almost all Arabic dialects.

How To Use It

You use this phrase while holding an item. You can also point to something on a mannequin. Just catch the shopkeeper's eye and say عندك مقاس تاني؟. If you want to be more specific, you can add أكبر (akbar) for bigger or أصغر (asghar) for smaller. The word تاني (tani) is very versatile. It means "second," "other," or "another" depending on the context. In a shop, everyone knows you mean a different size.

When To Use It

Use this in modern malls or traditional souks. It works for shirts, pants, shoes, and even rings. Use it when the one on the shelf is too tight. Use it when the display model is huge. It’s perfect for those awkward moments in the changing room. Just poke your head out and ask! It’s also useful when shopping for a friend. You can show a photo and ask if they have other sizes.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this for items that don't have sizes. Don't ask this when buying fruit or street food. If you want more of something like coffee, use واحد تاني (one more). Avoid using it in very formal written requests. In a formal letter, you would use هل يتوفر مقاس آخر؟. Also, don't use it if you are looking for a different color. For colors, you would say لون تاني (another color).

Cultural Background

Shopping in the Arab world is often a social experience. In traditional markets, the shopkeeper might treat you like a guest. Asking for another size often starts a conversation. They might bring out three different options. They might even tell you the history of the fabric! In modern malls, it’s more transactional. However, a polite لو سمحت (excuse me) before the phrase goes a long way. It shows respect and usually gets you faster service.

Common Variations

In Egypt, you’ll hear عندك (andak). In the Levant, it sounds more like عندك (indak). If you are talking to a woman, say عندكِ (andik/indik). If you want to be very specific, say عندك مقاس لارج؟ (Do you have a size Large?). Many people use English size terms like "Small," "Medium," and "Large" even while speaking Arabic. It’s a very common mix-and-match style in cities like Dubai, Beirut, or Cairo.

Usage Notes

This is a neutral-to-informal phrase. It is perfectly polite for all retail interactions. The main 'gotcha' is matching the gender of the person you are speaking to (`Andak` for men, `Andik` for women).

🎯

The 'Ayn' trick

If you can't pronounce the 'Ayn' in 'Andak', just say 'Andak' with a very clear 'A'—people will still understand you perfectly.

💬

Be Patient

In many local shops, the 'back room' might be a separate building. If they say 'thawani' (seconds), it might take a few minutes!

Examples

6
#1 At a clothing store in the mall
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

لو سمحت، عندك مقاس تاني من القميص ده؟

Excuse me, do you have another size of this shirt?

A very standard way to ask a male shopkeeper.

#2 Trying on shoes that are too tight
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

الحذاء ضيق شوية، عندك مقاس تاني؟

The shoe is a bit tight, do you have another size?

Explaining why you need the other size helps the clerk.

#3 Asking a female shop assistant
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

يا فندم، عندكِ مقاس تاني من الفستان ده؟

Ma'am, do you have another size of this dress?

Uses the feminine 'andik' and a polite title.

#4 Texting a personal shopper or friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

عجبني الجاكيت، بس اسألي لو عندهم مقاس تاني.

I liked the jacket, but ask if they have another size.

Using the phrase in a third-person context via text.

#5 A humorous moment with a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

شكلي فيه مضحك! عندك مقاس تاني ولا خلاص؟

I look funny in this! Do you have another size or is that it?

Self-deprecating humor while trying on something too small.

#6 In a high-end boutique
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

هل عندكم مقاس تاني من هذا الموديل؟

Do you (plural) have another size of this model?

Using the plural 'andakum' is more formal and polite.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing word for 'size'.

لو سمحت، عندك ____ تاني؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: مقاس

'Maqas' is the correct word for clothing size.

You are talking to a female shopkeeper. Which is correct?

Asking for another size:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندكِ مقاس تاني؟ (Andik)

The suffix '-ik' is used for feminine 'you'.

Complete the dialogue.

Customer: الجزمة دي ضيقة. Shopkeeper: ________

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عايز مقاس تاني؟

If the shoes are tight, the natural response is to offer another size.

Match the phrase to the situation.

When would you say 'عندك مقاس تاني؟'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: At a clothing store

This phrase is specifically for shopping for items with sizes.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Things you ask 'Maqas' for

👕

Clothing

  • Shirt
  • Pants
  • Dress
👟

Footwear

  • Shoes
  • Boots
  • Sandals

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the missing word for 'size'. Fill Blank A1

لو سمحت، عندك ____ تاني؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: مقاس

'Maqas' is the correct word for clothing size.

You are talking to a female shopkeeper. Which is correct? Choose A2

Asking for another size:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندكِ مقاس تاني؟ (Andik)

The suffix '-ik' is used for feminine 'you'.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

Customer: الجزمة دي ضيقة. Shopkeeper: ________

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عايز مقاس تاني؟

If the shoes are tight, the natural response is to offer another size.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A1

When would you say 'عندك مقاس تاني؟'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: At a clothing store

This phrase is specifically for shopping for items with sizes.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

Yes, 'maqas' is used for both clothes and shoes in most Arabic dialects.

Not at all! Shopkeepers expect you to try multiple sizes to find the right fit.

Say 'عندك مقاس أصغر؟' (Andak maqas asghar?).

Related Phrases

🔗

مقاس أكبر

similar

Bigger size

🔗

مقاس أصغر

similar

Smaller size

🔗

ممكن أقيس؟

builds on

Can I try it on?

🔗

غرفة القياس

related

Fitting room

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